2/17/2022 | Men’s Basketball | Box Score

PORTALES, N.M. – After trailing just two points at half time, Eastern New Mexico men’s basketball could not keep pace with #4 Lubbock Christian University on Thursday night at Greyhound Arena. Eastern slip to 6-16 after the non-conference game, while the Chaps improve to 23-2.

Eastern jumped out quickly on the visiting Chaps, as the Hounds started with a 10-6 advantage. Five points from Yosnier Cobas, and a three from Niko Bossinakis got the Hounds off to the right start. However, the Chaparrals didn’t let the Hounds build on its lead, keeping the score tight as the first half rolled on, 20-19 ENMU.

After Lubbock Christian captured a 21-20 lead, Eastern rattled off seven straight points two push its cushion too six points. A layup from Kevin Nze Mbastarted the run, Bossinakis hit a baseline jumper and Kentrell Pullian nailed a three pointer, 27-21 ENMU. Meanwhile, Lubbock Christian entered the locker room with a 33-31 score line after finishing the first frame on an 8-3 streak.

As the second half began, both teams went back and forth trading baskets in a three minutes and 15 seconds span, 40-40. From then, the Chaparrals took over offensively, recording a 15-3 stretch over a seven-minute time frame, 55-43 LCU. At that mark, ENMU tried to get back into the contest with a jumper from Pullian and two triples from Adam Hess, but the Chaps continued to score as the game continued, 63-51.

Lubbock Christian used another substantial run to seal the win over the Hounds. With seven minutes remaining, LCU posted a 13-3 run to leave no doubt for the Chaparrals. ENMU ended the contest with the final four points, as the Hounds fell to Lubbock Christian 76-58.

NOTABLE STATS

  • ENMU concluded the game 41.2% (41.2%) shooting from the field, while posting a three-point shooting percentage of 34.8% (8-23), and 57.1% at the foul line. LCU posted a 46.3% field goal percentage, 40.9% form range, and 85.0% from the charity stripe.
  • The Hounds had more points off of turnovers than the Chaps, 12-11. LCU was superior in the paint 22-18 over Eastern.
  • Pullian led all scores with 25 points (9-15 FG, 4-9 3PFG, and 3-4 FT), Hess and Cobas both chipped in with seven points during the game.
  • Also leading the rebounding, Pullian found six boards, with Cobas finding four rebounds.
  • Garrick Sherrod finished the night with four assists, and Cobas supplied two blocks during the game.

FROM THE SOURCE

“I was proud of our effort tonight,” said Head Men’s Basketball Coach Brent Owen. “We battled one of the best teams in the country. We played as a team and we played hard” said Owen. Unfortunately, it didn’t result in a win, but we have another shot at them on Tuesday at their place. I hope to see everyone here next Saturday for Senior Night”.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

  • Pullian set a career best 25 points during the game, also breaking his previous mark for field goals made (9), and tied a career best four three-point field goals made.
  • Cobas dished out a season best two blocks during the game.
  • LCU have won the last three meetings against ENMU, and hold the all-time series advantage 35-28 over Eastern.
  • The Hounds will replay the Chaparrals on Tuesday, Feb. 22, in a Lone Star Conference game. First tip from Lubbock, Texas is set for 6:30 pm (MST).